History of success for Torquay swimmers

For more than a century, swimming has been a thriving sport in Torbay and the current generation are continuing that tradition of triumph.

Torquay Leander Swimming Club which was founded in 1897 is continuing to find success in and out of the Pool 128 years on from its inception. The club, over recent years, has continued to go from strength to strength. 

This is largely due to the family friendly approach and inclusivity that the club promotes. This welcoming feeling coupled with structured yet fun training provided by the experienced coaches has helped its swimmers with huge success getting the most out of the swimmers, with achievements at County, Regional, National and even Olympic level over the years for swimmers who were at some point part of this club. 

Last year, Torquay Leander continued its annual attendance of the East Devon Mini Legue, which covers various age groups up to and including 16 years-olds in both male and female events. The league includes teams from Exmouth, Exeter, Dawlish, Newton Abbot, Paignton and Torquay Leander, which it proudly won after the three rounds of racing in 2024.

The 2025 East Devon Mini League is well underway.  Round 1 was organised and hosted by Exmouth, who always do a superb job. At the conclusion of Round 1, the points were Exeter = 0pts (Did not compete), Dawlish = 92pts, Newton Abbot = 152pts, Exmouth = 206pts, Paignton 237, Torquay Leander 256pts.  

The second round of the league was a Relay event organised by Torquay Leander, who train and call Plainmoor Pool their home.  Now operated by Swim Torquay, the Community focused facilities at Plainmoor were initially designed over 40 years ago to have six swimming lanes, as well as a children's pool /play area and even a cafe. 

Sadly, the Council at the time pulled funding and just a four-laned pool was built. This means Leander has the least amount of lanes to train in of all the teams competing in the league and two lanes short of being able to host a round of the league in 'home water'.   

As such, Riverside Leisure Centre was decided as the location for Torquay Leander to host round two.  After 34 relay events and a fantastic afternoon swimming the scores are:  Exeter = 137pts, Dawlish = 171pts, Newton Abbot 250pts, Exmouth 303pts, Paignton 365pts and Torquay Leander 425pts.

"We are so proud of all our swimmers, the coaches, committee (all of whom are volunteers and give so much of their time) as well as the parents, and helpers who all contribute to run such a great, friendly club,” said chairman Dom Loram. 

“To win last year’s mini league was an incredible achievement for all involved and to think we have then started this year by winning the first two rounds is beyond our expectations. It's not over yet but regardless of what happens in the final round, everyone at the club should be immensely proud of our swimmers."

The third and final round of the league is being hosted at Exmouth on April 5.